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Meningitis

Meningitis. By : Sarah Gobbell. What is it?. Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Causes. Meningitis can be either bacterial or viral (aseptic).

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Meningitis

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  1. Meningitis By : Sarah Gobbell

  2. What is it? • Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

  3. Causes.... • Meningitis can be either bacterial or viral (aseptic). • Usually caused by the spreading of infection or virus from one part of the body to another. • Common starting points of infection are: • Skin • Gastrointestinal • Urinary System • And most common, the Respiratory System

  4. Causes Cont'd • Once the infection spreads, it enters the blood stream and travels to the CNS. • Some meds, cancers, and even other diseases can lead to the inflammation of the meninges. • Other causes include: • Bacterial Ear Infection • Nasal Sinus Infection • Severe Head Trauma/ Surgery

  5. Viral vs Bacterial • Viral Meningitis • Viral is most common • Often goes undiagnosed because syptoms are like that of the common flu • More common in the Summer and Fall • Usually caused by enteroviruses (stomach flu)

  6. Virus vs Bacterial • Bacterial • More common in infants and adults >60 years • If not diagnosed and treated quickly, bacterial meningitis can lead to: • Hearing Loss • Visual Impairment • Seizures • Learning Diabilities • Heart, Kidney, and Adrenal Problems

  7. Signs and Symptoms In Adults

  8. Signs and Symptoms In Infants

  9. Signs and Symptoms • Kernig’s Sign- The inability to extend the legs completely without extreme pain. • Brudzinski’s Sign- Flexion of the hip and knee when the neck is flexed.

  10. Diagnostics • A pt History will be taken • Physical exam to reveal Kernig’s sign or Brudzinski’s sign • Lumbar puncture ( spinal tap) to identify the pathogenic organism • CT/ EEG • Post recovery hearing • exam

  11. Medical Management • For bacterial meningitis, the pt is hospitalized and given IV antibiotics until the organism is identified. • Ampicillin, penicillin, and third generation cephalosporin ( for inflammation) • Anticonvulsants may be used to prevent seizures • Hyperosmolar agents or steroids to decrease intracranial pressure

  12. Most at Risk • Infants and adults > 60 years • Compromised immune system • People in boarding schools, military bases, college students, etc. (around large groups of people) • Not current in vaccines such as: • Measles • Mumps • Rubella • Polio • Hib • Pneumococcus

  13. Interventions • Respiratory isloation until pt can no longer be cultured from the nasopharynx, 24 hours after antibiotic therapy • Increase fluids • Darkened room • Minimize sensory stimulation • For viral meningitis, the pt can usually go home. Over the counter pain killers such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Advil/ Motrin) will be suggested

  14. The End

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